In 1977, FBI Special Agent Robert Ressler first used the term ‘serial killer’ after a visit to Bramshill Police Academy, near London, where someone referred to a ‘serial burglar’. The inspired coinage was soon in general use to describe killers such as necrophile Ed Kemper (ten victims), schizophrenic Herb Mullin (14),...

They were among the most frightening of early secret societies, a furtive group both feared and hated by citizens of the Roman Empire. Many suggested killing every man, woman and child who were members. Others proposed caution, having heard tales of bloody vengeance taken against enemies of the group. Some grew worried that their own...

Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, is causing a build-up of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) in the...

In the days of tall ships, one dreaded foe was responsible for more deaths at sea than piracy, shipwreck and all other illnesses combined: Scurvy. Countless mariners suffered an agonizing death, which began with bleeding gums, wobbly teeth, and the opening of old wounds. Surgeon James Lind, Captain James Cook and physician Sir Gilbert Blane...

In this reassuring and easy-to-follow book, Wendy Green explains the psychological and physical factors that...